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Winter is here and light from the sun will be begin to increase every day now until June 21st, when the days will start to grow shorter once again. But you’d never know it from the temperatures we’ve been experiencing. A week or so ago we broke records here in Virginia with temperatures in the mid 70s. It will happen again on Christmas Eve when it’s supposed to rain and temperatures will be unseasonably warm. In between, the record highs we have had fairly warm days with only a few in the lower 40s with even colder frosty nights.
While in other portions of our country people are experiencing intense rain, early snowfalls and freezing temperatures, everyone I meet here in Central Virginia, is talking about this “Crazy Weather.” A few weeks ago most comments were, “I love it. I’ll take all I can get.” This week with Christmas upon us, people are beginning to complain. “It’s not Christmas if it isn’t cold.” Or, ” I’d love a little snow for the holidays. Is that asking too much?”
If that’s not enough there’s the way the world is looking right now. Politics in this country stink, while wars, mass shootings, and terrorism are claiming lives. The darkness seems tenfold more than it usually does.
The Knock-Out Roses in my garden were continuing to bloom until just a few nights ago when temperatures dropped into the 20s. Last week on one of my walks I noticed forsythia blooming. In Washington, DC, just a few hours north of us, the cherry blossoms have been blooming. Usually our lawn gets a year end mowing in early to mid-November, but last week the gang was back giving our very green grass another trim.
I’m just as confused as the trees and plants. In the fall I always welcome the beginning of the dark months. For me they
represent a time of slowing down. I go to bed earlier and rise with the sun, as it peeks out over the horizon. And while I’ve been noticing all kinds of weeds growing in my garden during the last week or so and have wanted to go out and pull them, my body is fighting for what it wants more of … REST. My desire for naps has increased as it usually does at this time of year, along with a lapse in energy. While part of me wants to go out and clean up the garden, or walk without having to wear a heavy coat, my body is resisting.
This could all have something to do with aging, I suppose. But I have a feeling that most of what is bothering me is due to human nature and my not being happy with what is. I complain if it’s too cold, too hot, too dry, too wet, or whatever else I’m not happy with. And knowing I’ll never be able to control things like the weather, I’m working on just giving in and letting it all be. There isn’t much I can control, but perhaps I can try to change the way I react to the way things are. So I’m going back to an old prayer I often use when I find my world lacking in what I want or expect:
“God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
May the spirit of Christmas shine upon you and yours.
And may all of your wishes come true.
Just remember
if things don’t work out as you want them to,
there are flowers blooming and butterflies flitting about somewhere
on this beautiful blue planet of ours, and the weather is perfect!
The Serenity Prayer certainly comes in handy in all situations, doesn’t it? How many years have we been saying it? I love it – Here, in California, after all these years of drought, and over half of our trees dying, we finally have days of rain, along with its complications – not sure I will get down to the coast for Christmas, as I always do – A White Christmas is predicted – The mountains everywhere have the wisdom to carry the load of many feet of snow – one can hear their sighs of relief from the living trees, while they show their true green – they bow their trunks in gratefulness – years ago I planted 100 fur seedlings across the lane, and 8 made it – we honored them by decorating each little tree in honor of ALL trees –
Blessings to you and Bill – Love, Patti
Thanks, Patti, and blessings to you too. I’m glad to hear you’re finally getting some moisture.
The Serenity prayer in my go-to prayer for all times, Joan. Enjoyed this uplifting post and your thoughts on perspectives. It’s all how you look at it. We may be waiting for the shoe to drop regarding the weather but we are enjoying it while it lasts. Sending you and Bill warm holiday blessings, my friend. May 2016–the year of your memoir– bring you much health and happiness.
Kathy, It is a wonderful prayer indeed. Yes, it’s going to be a big year! the same wishes right back to you.
Joan, your post, and so many others, have spoken to my heart and my depressive tendencis this time of year. Here in the NW it has been so dark that by 2:30 or 3pm, you would think it’s time for bed. And usually I am! Nap time thrives when the days grow short and dark. I agree with your assessment of the weather, humanity, and everything else you wrote. As always, you say it like it is, and I’m grateful for your honest writing.
Sending you wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a blessed 2016!
Sherry, I used to live in northern Vermont, so I know about those short, dark days. Best wishes to you too, and may 2016 bring us all peace!
My mother sewed the Serenity Prayer in cross-stitch for her grand-children but never made it to all seven. She lived by that rule though, and told me to never complain about the weather because we can’t do a thing to change it. Christmas day will be in the mid-80s here in Florida, a very un-Christmasy temperature. But I guess I’ll keep my mouth shut about the heat and count my blessings instead.
Hey Marian, Your mom was right. What about a day at the beach this Christmas? It’s time to pull out the swim suits and sun screen! Blessings for a wonderful day and a peaceful New Year.
Joan — The happiest of holidays to you and you. Wish you peace, joy, and health in the new year!
Laurie, I wish the same to you!
It’s raining here–all night and still this morning? My husband looked out the window and said, “Oh, look, the snow didn’t freeze!”
Thank you for this reminder to accept, and be grateful for life the way it is! Merry Christmas!
The snow isn’t freezing here either, Tracy. We’ve gad 1 1/4 inches of rain in the past two days with more to come. But we’ve no violent weather like so many in the mid-west are experiencing. I can’t imagine tornados on Christmas eve. I hope you have a wonderful holiday and that your New Year will be filled with peace.